Lesli's Live Long and Strong WISH Journal

[Cruise04]

Happy Holidays Lesli!!!

Sorry that your GS meeting didn't get well attended. Must be the month because ours was done in 15 minutes because a lack of people. Oh well.

Looks like you have been really productive - that is great and hope it continues into the new year!!!! Keep up the great work and glad to see the scale is starting to go back down for you!

Hope you have a great holiday!
Keep on
Chris

 

[Lesli54]

I wanted so much to keep up with my journal the last few days, but it has been nearly impossible. I wish I could say that the holidays has me so busy, that would be more fun, but it's been the new business keeping me away from real life. Last night, I was at the STRESS point where I almost quit. DH has so much to do with our other business but he also has to take time to help get the new up and running. Well, he just wants to plow ahead and just get things done, I want to slow down long enough to make sure that we plan a little and things will work before we get to far down the road and have to back track. This has finally created some major tension between us. So much to the point that I walked out on him last night when he was building the shelving. That is something I don't usually do.

Part of the problem is sheer exhaustion. I have been going on this project for almost 2 weeks straight. Plus dealing with sick kids, and trying to get ready for the holidays. (I still have to finsih shopping today, wrap gifts, and finish decorating the tree.) The other day, I overslept (if you call 6:30am oversleeping) and missed a GS meeting. Last night I came home and laid down to relax a little, but ended up falling asleep. I think I slept about 11 hours. It would have been more enjoyable if my head wasn't constantly thinking/dreaming about the business.

Food has been all over the place. We are not eating at particular times. Most of the time it has been fend for yourself when you are hungry. Sad to say, we have had few meals with the entire family around the table. I am not overeating, which is good, but some of the food choices leave a little to be desired. For the most part, I am catching whatever is quick and easy. A nutri-grain bar here, a lean cuisine there, some crackers and cheese, a cookie, a sandwich. Basically whatever I have time for. Water has not been good at all.

I hope this doesn't sound too much like I am complaining, because really, I am not. This is just how hectic my life has been lately.

On the plus side, I am getting more exercise. The other day, we hand unloaded the first order, that was a workout. Thursday, we went to get our shelving. That was about 5 hours of loading one class C box truck and a 6x12 Uhaul. Talk about tired! Yesterday, we unloaded all the shelving which was about 6 hours (less people). So needless to say, I did make my exercise goal for Christmas in the last few days.

Today, I have no plans to even go near the new store, nor do I plan to do any ordering or misc paperwork for it! Soon we will be past the insanity, I just know it. Really, it is a good thing that DH and I are very strong together, because I can easily see now how some couples cannot make it through the start up of a new business.

Breakfast: 1 egg omelet w/ moz (way too much), some yogurt, 1 c grapefruit juice

The rest of the day, I plan to keep food simple and as healthy as possible. Hopefully, I will be able to cook chicken and dumplings for tonight's dinner. We loved the recipe from Williamsburg, VA so much that it has pretty much became our Christmas Eve tradition. It takes awhile to make, but is so worth it on occassion.

Time to get going. I need to put the lights on the tree so the kids can decorate while I am shopping. DH said that the weather is turning cold again and will start freezing everything so I'll need get back as soon as I can before it gets really bad.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

 

[pearlieq]

I'm sorry to hear about your stress with the new business. It sounds like you and your DH are a good team and will be able to get over this hump together. Sending to you for a strong beginning.

I'm impressed you've been able to keep it together food-wise and that you haven't backslid into bad habits. Yes, you're eating on the run, but it could be a lot worse.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, and find a few moments of peace during all of the hubbub!

 

[Lesli54]

Thanks for the .

Christmas came and went rather quickly, but I did manage to "take off" almost 3 full days. That was much needed and deserved. DH wanted to get back to working on the store yesterday, but I just couldn't. I was so worn out from the holidays and lack of sleep from before the holidays. Actually, I am glad that we didn't do anything. Sure it MIGHT put us a day behind, but really I think it will just mean we need to work a little smarter.

We need a vacation and WDW is really looking good. Sad thing is, we really can't afford the time to go right now.

Food has been some healthy and some junk. You know those holiday cookies and candies just look so good. But I am not going overboard. Christmas night I was so excited when I came home because I felt very full and really I probably ate 1/2 of what I had the year before. Guess that means my stomach shrunk and that is always a good thing.

For the most part, we just had Christmas amongst ourselves, which was really nice. Our Christmas "dinner" was very light since it was only 6 of us. Then we took the leftovers to my gran's for supper/snacking. On the "round about" way, we stopped at DH's sisters for a quick visit. I had one small cookie and none of the pies even looked appealing. We didn't have time to do a really big dinner which had me concerned but really turned out well and most of the leftovers are gone, which actually feels really good this year.

We did get the homemade Chicken and Dumplings on Christmas Eve. I love making it and it has become a nice little tradition.

Everyone got some nice gifts and they seem to enjoy them. We don't go out really big on the gifts. I know this may seem odd in this day and age (as I talk to more people, I am in the minority), but I set a $ limit based on the age of the child (well and inflation) and then get gifts that will fit in the budget, keeping in mind what they need and will use. Sometimes they get what they really wanted, sometimes they don't. But they always seem to really appreciate what they do get. Most of the people I know get their kids whatever they want. They get them all the same number of presents with no $ limit attached. So actually they could spend $500 on one kid and $200 on the other. Seems odd to me, but maybe I have become too old fashioned.

But then we use a good portion of our $ to go on some really nice family vacations where others never leave town. So maybe they think we are odd. Oh well, I would much rather have my DVC!

At any rate, Christmas was good and New Year's is around the corner. DD18 is leaving for AZ in a few days. It is nice to have her around, but I am ready to have her out and doing her own thing.

Also, I am ready to get the holiday weight gain back in line. Thankfully, it is not as bad as it probably has been in the past. A new year is coming and that means more lbs need to be going.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and I will talk some more later.

 

[Lesli54]

Just updating my progress on the latest challenges.

The Christmas Challenge, I ended up 0/15. Didn't lose a darn thing, but with all the extra activity going on and little time to concentrate on my journey, I am just glad that I haven't gained everything back. So I am learning to be happy with nothing lost.

The Christmas Exercise Challenge, I ended up 1075/900. This is pretty good considering that I haven't had any dedicated exercise. Of course, most of it was done in the last week with all the loading and unloading of shelving, but that was a workout and I was definitely taking what I could get.

I am going to think hard about whether I have the time to devote to any challenges for January.

 

[pearlieq]

I'm glad you had a nice Christmas and actually got a few days off!!!

I totally agree with you about Christmas presents. We also budget a certain amount per person and buy reasonable items in that range. I was looking around the neighborhood yesterday (it was trash day) at the piles and piles of boxes and wrappings out front of each house and it just looked so excessive! I agree with you that it's better for kids to have realistic expectations and to appreciate what they're given.

Time to tackle those holiday lbs! I'm with you!!!

Have a great day!

 

[Lesli54]

I am declaring today as the first day back towards getting this weight off. Sounds familiar. But, I have decided that my little hiatus has been long enough and in about 2.5 months, I will have been here for 1 year so I would love to have another 20 off by then. The hectic life I have been leading lately will not slow for awhile, but that doesn't mean I can't make better choices and it doesn't mean that I have to give up all that I have learned.

Yesterday was a bad day in terms of food. It was like the days in the "before", but not quite as bad. Although it was bad enough that I started to get heartburn (something I haven't had in a long time), started getting that sick feeling from being too full, felt lethargic, and slept horribly last night. It most definitely was the "food coma" that Pearlieq has mentioned before. While, I was stuffing my face with any kind of junk I could find, I started thinking about Pearlieq commenting about how I have been eating on the run, but at least I wasn't returning to my old habits, and yet, there I was on the verge of returning full force to the old habits. I disgusted myself. I could sense the depressed feelings coming on, I could sense the wanting to fade into the background and ignore all the extra work I have right now (as if ignoring will make it go away faster), I could sense my old self around the corner and personally, I didn't like that person near as much as I like the more confident and energetic person that I am now. Last night, while I was tossing and turning, I was in that half state of sleep and I kept thinking how horrible that I couldn't sleep and that I didn't feel so great. Then I started thinking about the fact that I know how to change this and that I better get a grip before it becomes harder to change.

So today, I am going to "detox" and put things back on track as much as possible. When I am back on track, I accomplish more of the little things, I can keep up with life, I feel great to be alive, and I feel like me!

So join my next post where I will put back in my food intake and my goals. You gotta have goals.

 

[Lesli54]

You know I just remembered, DH was looking at some videos of our trip to WDW in June and commented how much heavier we both were then. It felt great to know that we have both lost weight together and that we can be smaller yet by the time we go back to WDW.

DH and I are both motivated to get off the "holiday" lbs and continue down on this journey. He realized how much smaller he is than his siblings when we were visiting at Christmas, but I think he also realized that he could easily be as heavy as they are. Later that night, I realized that I have come along way towards not looking like my gran, something that scared me last year at this time.

So yesterday is in the past and the holiday food is over, for the most part. New Year's will be very simple around here and we will just put out various appetizers to snack on, but very controllable.

OH! I started back with Fitday.com this morning. It can be a hassle, but I think that I need the extra discipline to help me to realize how much I am really eating. Although, it doesn't seem like much at times, I am sure that it is more than it should be. Actually, it felt good to be back there and to know that I have to be more conscious of choosing healthier high yield foods.


Breakfast: 1 egg omelet w/chives & moz (light on cheese this time), 1 c milk (very important for weight loss), 2 slices ham, and 1 c. tea.

Now, I know that this isn't completely well rounded, but it is a good start. I will pos the rest of my food later today.

Goals for the day:
1. Water (72 oz., so key)
2. Exercise (putting shelving together and moving it around)
3. Bookwork
4. Stop eating at 7:30pm
5. Go to bed by 10:30pm

It may sound strange but my breakfast was so relaxing and felt "normal". I am already feeling better.

Everyone have a great day!

 

[Lesli54]

Not having a food plan does not work for me. I did much better yesterday than I have been doing over the past month, BUT I did realize that I am consuming many more calories than I had realized. Goals? I did get closer to acheiving them than I have lately, but they still need some work. It's strange that it takes time to "come back" to doing the things you know are good for you.

The AM snack was a few carrots. Lunch was late and I had about 1c. chicken & dumplings (talk about calories, but it is gone) and a little bit of cranberries (almost gone). Then it fell apart. About 5pm, I had a few cheetos (we were still working on shelving). Then I came home and had 2 pieces of candy and a cookie. Supper was HC garden veggie soup w/ 1/2 english muffin. I was full, but tired and starting to feel the stress, so I ate about 8-9 crackers w/ portwine cheese spread. That was followed by a bowl of cookies and cream ice cream (just couldn't let is sit in the freezer for the kids). All that was between 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Not good. Then I had 2 oreos at 11:30pm (should have gone to bed).

Looks like I need to tweak a few things.

Water was about 1/2 my goal. I went to bed 1 hr after my goal time. Almost made the food cutoff. Got alot of paperwork done and I spent 4 hrs moving shelving around and carrying the extra down to storage. YEAH for the extra activity!

Food plan for today:
Breakfast: 1 egg omelet w/little moz & chives, 1 c. milk, 2 slices ham, 1 c. tea, and 1/2 slice english muffin (could have done w/o)
AM snack: banana & 1 c milk
Lunch: tuna wrap & veggies
PM snack: 1/2 orange
Supper: chicken & broccoli braid & salad

Goals for day:
1. 72 oz water (I am going to nail this today)
2. Exercise (15 min dancing during morning & afternoon break)
3. Stick w/ food plan (don't sabotage just because of stress, find something else to reduce stress)
4. No eating after 7:30pm
5. In bed at 10:30pm (my body will thank me for the real sleep)

I am not giving up. This morning, I did see a reduction in some of the Holiday gain, so I have to keep going.

Everyone have a great day and make sure you get plenty of water!

 

[pearlieq]

Good for you! You're getting back on track and getting clear about your goals!

So, yesterday had a couple of stumbles. Yesterday also had a lot of good in it! I'm glad you're starting to see a reduction in the holiday gain. I hope to be there with you soon! Also, good for you for getting some extra activity in. Your body thanks you!

I hope you have a wonderful day today. Your plan looks good and you sound focused and determined. You can do this!!!

 

[Lesli54]

Yesterday was both good and not so good. The things I did right: I went to bed at 10:15pm and I got in some exercise by putting together more shelving and moving it around at the new store.

Things I needed to work on: water, sticking with the food plan (running back and forth between home and business right now is really throwing that off), and not eating after 7:30pm.

Missed the AM snack. Lunch was late and I forgot the torilla shells at the store so couldn't have the wraps. So, I had some turkey, a little corn pudding, and way too many cranberries (they are gone now). Missed the PM snack. Supper was late and we ended up grabbing cheeseburgers and fries at the local restaurant. That would have been fine, but then I came home and ate cheetos. Shortly after 8pm, I did stop eating, except for the 5 kernels of white gold popcorn. Not great, but it's getting better all the time.

Food plan:
Breakfast: 1 egg omelet w/cheese & chives, 1 c. milk, 1 c. tea, 3 slices ham, banana (yes, I had some fruit )
AM snack: yogurt
Lunch: tuna wrap (yes, I have tortilla shells)
PM snack: veggies
Supper: Not sure

Goals for day:
1. water 72 oz
2. bed by 10:30pm
3. no eating after 7:30pm
4. exercise (I will get this with unloading another truck)

Today is going to be busy.

It's also going to be an emotional day. DD18 will be packing to fly out to AZ in the morning and will be gone for the rest of her break. I guess they grow up. She had planned to visit her grandmother and family out there and has had the plane ticket for months. Unfortunately, we got a call last night and her grandmother passed away. DD18 is still of course going to go, but I feel so bad that her flight will be a mournful one rather than a cheerful one. She seems so "young" to be flying alone like that. I know she will be ok, but it is really hard to see your children grow up sometimes. On the plus side, she did talk to her grandmother a few days ago and she knows that her grandmother was excited about seeing her again, so hopefully that will help ease the pain.

Well, I gotta go. DD8 and I are off for a birthday present, then she has a swim party, I have errands, and then up to the new store.

Everyone have a great day!

 

[pearlieq]

I am so, so sorry for you DD18 and the passing of her grandmother. Thank goodness she will be there to help lay her to rest. It does sound like she's growing up very fast these days...

I'm glad you had a good day yesterday! Anything that is "better" is good in my book! You got exercise, you got some good sleep, and managed to stop yourself from truly going wild on the eating front.

Sounds like things are coming along at the new store! You're opening soon, right? Is it a new grocery store or another kind of store?

I hope you have a great day today!

 

[Lesli54]

Thanks for the kind words and the encouragement, Pearlieq!

I agree, "better" is good. Although, I am still debating whether yesterday was "better". There was alot of good in it, but I am quickly realizing that my food plan will not be anywhere near what I want it to be until the store opens. Every time, I think I will be home for a meal, I find that I am up at the store working right through meal time. Then others start bringing in quick "pick-me-ups" and I manage to get into those (never healthy foods).

Very busy yesterday. I checked in 2 orders, still need to finish up one. What else? Oh, I ran DD18 back and forth to a swim party, which she loved, ran some errands, did some networking on the phone, helped the guys get the sign down from the store before, tried to track down the person I want to paint me a new sign, got DD18 and boyfriend to take down some useless shelves, pegboards, latice work, and other misc boards stuck high up on the walls. Why anyone would bother with half that stuff so far up that I need a 15' ladder is beyond me. At anyrate, the store is really coming together and all the "remenants" of the failed stores before are quickly disappearing, which is good. I want everyone to think of this as a "new" store not a spin off of the old stores (not that they were the same, but when they look too similar, people don't distinguish well).

Oh, you asked what type of store. It's a dollar store. We tried to get another grocery, but they guy isn't quite ready to sell (I thinking he will by the end of 2006). So, when the location we have been waiting for came available here in town we decided to put our 7 yr project into action. Of course, everyone else is now saying we stole their idea, give me a break, but so many others are really happy about this. Let's hope that is a good sign that it will work. Basically, we have to try this before someone else can manage to do it, because they will probably put in more grocery and hurt us in the long run, whereas we can really control what we put in and cater to a market of people that don't frequent the grocery store for many of their needs.

I am hoping to open in 2 weeks. Three tops. So alot of long days and nights. I guess, I better just realize that and quit trying to fight it. After all, I am getting more exercise, this is very temporary (lack of sleep, poor food choices, lack of water), and I can try to eat better where I can. Don't get me wrong, I am not giving up, but I don't always have alot of control as to when I am home at the moment, things need to get done.

Yesterday, I missed the AM snack, but then snacked on mini doughnuts that DD18 brought to the store. Lunch was a cheeseburger and fries from the local restaurant and I didn't eat until 2pm. Then more doughnuts. Then a few cheetos. Supper was much better, lazagna, salad, and cheese bread (could have done w/o). I wanted ice cream so bad, but I managed to steer away from that. Is that a win?

Sleep was at 2:30am. I had a hard time sleeping knowing that DD18 was leaving for her flight and I wasn't taking her. I saw her off about 3:30am and her boyfriend called a bit ago to let me know that she got on the plane with little trouble. Oh, and to tell me that I didn't tell him how to get out of O'Hare, so he managed to go towards Rockford rather than down towards 88. At least he was going West, right?

Today, I am tired and the plan is to eat only when I am hungry. There is so much to do and we have our tax appt earlier. So now I have 2 mos to tie up the grocery store AND start a new business. This ought to be fun.

Breakfast: 1 english muffin, yogurt, water (I was up late and not very hungry)
Lunch: I am going to TRY to get the tuna wrap
Supper: Taco dip/salad
Party food: I am not sure what we are making. Just a few easy things, like veggies, cheese & crackers, maybe some quesidillas. Something light and fun for the kids.

Goals today:
1. water (at least 48 oz, maybe I can work my way up)
2. Try to eat sensibly
3. Close up some bookwork.

Well, I better get going. This has been quite long.

Everyone have a great NEW YEAR's!

 

[Lesli54]

It's 2006! Hey, I am down another "holiday lb". I keep telling myself that the holiday weight is not really real, kind of like going on vacation. I will let you know by the end of the week if I am right or if I need to change me ticker back.

Wow! I just looked at my food goals for yesterday and I actaully made it! Lunch and supper were as planned. There was some various snacking in there (cookies, white gold popcorn, reg popcorn, cheetos, goldfish, etc, but all just handfuls) so I thought I had blown it. At the "party", I had a few wedges of cheese quesidillas, 3 crackers w/portwine cheese spread, some cauliflower, a few bites of an icky barbecue chicken leg (Don't buy the Tyson ones, way too much fat), a couple of nuts, and a glass of champaign. I think that was it. Water was at least 36 oz, maybe more.

Well, I didn't eat completely sensibly, but I am still working on it. I did get some bookwork done. In fact I got further than I had hoped to, which is a plus. But I want to know how you can look at something for days, weeks, possibly longer and still not be able to figure out where a number came from or how certain things fit together, etc, then suddenly you sit down for a few minutes and it takes you no time at all to figure it all out, put it together, etc, and move on. Then you wonder why you couldn't see that before, because it really wasn't that hard. Lucky for me, I just happened to have one of those "epiphany" moments. So the bookwork for the grocery is going to move a little faster now.

I did not go near the new store. DH did go up and really wanted me to go up, but I told him that I had to work on "old" store. Thankfully, he understands all the extra work I have going on between the two right now.

We did our little "party" last night, just enjoyed family, ate, played games, and then at 11pm we threw torn up newspaper in the air and did our new year. This is a tradition from DH's family, much better than confetti since you don't have to tear it so small and the kids love it because they can actaully grab it and throw it up, at each other, stuff it down shirts, etc. Even DS was able to get in on it this year. So around here, everyone was asleep by midnight, which is fine with me. We were all so tired. ......Maybe that means I will actually get to bed earlier this year? BTW, what happened to Dick Clark, did he have a stroke? Last night was the first that I had seen him vulnerable, very sad.

DD18 made to AZ alright. Then she got another bit of sad news although not as bad. Her uncle (lives in the house she is visiting, same house grandma lived in) was taken to the hospital the night before her arrival. He has pneumonia and is still there. At this point, I am really, really glad that she went down because her aunt must be beside herself and at least with DD18 there, she doesn't have to be in the house alone at moment.

OH! I realized last night that I really had "won" the weight loss wars for 2005, after all, I was thinner by the end of 2005 than I was at the end of 2004. Now that is something to be proud of........and I am. Now, I am well rested and really ready to continue the journey and be smaller by the end of 2006. It is always good to see some real accomplishments.

Breakfast: 1 egg omelet w/cheese & chives, 3 slices ham, 1 c tea
AM snack: skip, I am not very hungry since I ate late this morning
Lunch: taco dip/salad or a sm piece of lazagna & salad
PM snack: banana
Supper: I think I will see what I can put together from the well stocked cupboards.

Goals for today:
1. water 48 oz
2. 30 min of exercise (this can be heavy lifting, walking up and down the stairs a few times in a row, walking laps around the house, dancing, anything that will push my stamina level and is out of the norm)
3. No eating after 7:30
4. In bed by 10:30 (I hope)

I am really trying to remind myself that I am much more productive when I get good sleep and exercise and when I get up earlier in the morning.

I better get going. Everyone have a wonderful year!

 

[Lesli54]

2006 New Year's Resolution
1. Lose weight and be at 150 by the end of the year
2. Exercise 3 times a wk minimum
3. Find NEW ways to destress (food is not an option)

Off to build a better me for 2006!

 

[pearlieq]

Happy New Year, Lesli!!!!

I really like your perspective on the year. For all of the struggles, ups, and downs of the last year, we ended weighing less than last year, and that's a great victory!

I'm so excited for your new store! Dollar stores are so hot right now! We track that type of thing at my work and dollar stores are growing faster than about any other channel. I think you're very smart to be first to market! The nay-sayers are just kicking themselves they didn't take the leap first. I wish you both the best luck with your opening.

Your new year celebration sounds like fun. I love the newspaper idea--you're right about there being much more to do with it than just tossing plain confetti.

I'm glad to hear your DD18 made it to AZ safely. It sounds like she's where she needs to be right now. Isn't it amazing how that works out? Did she work things out with her boyfriend from high school or is this a new boy? (I don't mean to pry--just curious...)

I think this is going to be a great year for both of us. I feel the same way as you--rested, refreshed and ready to start moving forward! We can do it!!!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, everyone! Down another 1.5 of holiday gain. I guess I never realized how much a person could really gain around the holidays, but I can easily see how a person could keep it on and not even realize. But not me, it is going away.

I really had a pretty good day yesterday and it was very productive. Most of my water goal was met and I am counting 1.5 hours of exercise. It took at least 45 min for us to carry heavy boxes to their respective depts from the back of the store. DH is supposed to be bringing me a 2 wheeler he doesn't use so that my job will be a bit easier, but until then, I am counting the extra lifting as exercise. Then I spent 7 hours laying out a dept and stocking it. This required alot of bending and reaching and walking and moving boxes around, but I figured altoghter about 45 min of it was good exercise.

Food was fairly good as well. Lunch was taco dip/salad. My very late snack was a fruit and nut bar, then around 9:30pm I had a handful of cashews. I was at the store during both of these. Then finally I went home and since I missed supper and was a tad hungry, but didn't want anything really heavy before bed, I at 2 slice of ham, about 1/2 c grapes, and 1/2 cup of goldfish. So I got to bed just before midnight. I just got so engrossed at the store that I didn't realize what time it was.

Not a bad day, some better choices, but I am really ready to get back to this. It is amazing what the hectic schedule of the holidays can do to you and how much of a "weight" is lifted once they are over.

Breakfast: 2 slices ham, 1 egg, yogurt, and hot tea
AM snack: banana
Lunch: soup
PM snack: fruit and nut bar if I am at the store
Supper: don't know, depends on what we are doing.

Goals for the day:
1. water 48 oz.
2. no eating after 7:30pm
3. exercise for 30 min
4. in bed by 10:30pm

Oh, Pearlieq, DD18's boyfriend is the one she dated while in HS. They had a short "hiatus" so to speak. He did make a comment to a family friend that girls like her are very hard to come by and he hasn't met another like her. Also commented that he realized he needed to learn to wait for the lifetime commitment with her as she wasn't going to be rushed. I hope he has learned that, because it is true. Besides their focus right now should be on getting through school, the rest will follow. Personally, I am glad that they are back together, they are very good for each other and bring out the best in one another, so when they were apart it was like they had lost their best friend. Not getting my hopes up to high, but I am glad to see that they are learning how to work through life's obstacles, something that most young people can't do.........heck even older people can't always do that.

I better get going. So much to do. Everyone have a wonderful day!

 

[goldcupmom]

Wow! You are busy!

I've just caught up on the last month+ and am amazed. Another store is very ambitious, but to be first in market in your area will, I think, be a real boon. Here there's nearly a $1 store about every 1/2 mile. The big chain one 'dollar tree' is best. Amazing what they sometimes have for $1.

I think you, Tracy and I will all make the magical 150 together this year. Would be nice.

Hope all goes well today. Lifting is DEFINITELY exercise!

 

[pearlieq]

Good morning!

You're doing so well! Congrats on getting that holiday gain down and great job on making sensible food choices on the run! Sounds like you're getting great workouts too!

I'm glad to hear your DD18 and her boyfriend came to an understanding. It sounded like he was well liked by the family.

Have a great day today!

 

[Lesli54]

Oh today was off to a bit of a slow start, but I am picking up speed. Last night, I just couldn't get my mind to shut off long enough to sleep and then this morning, I kind of forgot that it was a school day again. Thankfully, the kids remembered.

I missed the AM snack yesterday, but the rest of the food plan was on track, with the exception of a few added cracker w/ my soup and a few tostitos. Then for supper, we were all so tired so I let DH make hamburgers and fries. Should have stopped there, but then I had some ice cream later. A little too much and it really didn't taste very good, but I still ate it. I need to work on that. "No mom, I don't have to clean my plate for whatever reason."

Water was about 1/2 my goal. I stopped eating around 9pm, so I still need to bump it up. No dedicated exercise other than alot of walking around the store putting a stock up. At least I am staying active, right? I think I finally slept about 1am. Now, I went to bed earlier than that, and actually, I laid down on the sofa around 10pm and watched some tv, does that count? It's worth a try.

Last night, I watched a show called "The 750 lb Man". I don't really know why, since this is not my normal tv, but it was a documentary and was shown in a way to teach people. The man's name was John Harold Kietz and at first I couldn't believe that a person could not realize that he gained so much. Then I found out, he did realize that, but he also learned how to live day to day around that. Everyone brought things to him. He even cooked dinner for his wife from his bed so that she wouldn't have to cook when she got home. When you stop to think about it, I guess it is possible. The sad thing was that he was only 39 and when he was taken to a hospital for some complications, the landlord evicted them. My guess was because of the weight issue. I guess neighbors were tired of seeing how they had to transport him back and forth for doctors. From the hospital, he was moved to a nursing home in OH where they specialize in extremely overweight people. This was states away from his wife, who was trying to find an apartment closer to him. He wanted to get better and take care of his family, you could see that he regretted allowing his life to take the turn that it did with his health and of course at that weight, he had a lot of health issues. At first, I thought the story was going to show that he had managed to get his weight down and that he was able to change some of his health factors becuase of it, but unfortunately, he develeped an infection through the bed sores and he died. His wife never had the chance to move closer or see him one last time. I just cried. He wasn't very old. There was another man, Scott, I believe whom, John met in the nursing home. Scott was over 700 at one point, but was down just below 600 (I think he was in his late 20's) and the two formed a friendship for a short time. Anyway, Scott sang at his funeral and he made some comments for the documentary. He said that John wanted to live and he wanted to get better, but he thinks that he was partially afraid of what people would think if he could get back up and get back out into public. Also, he thinks that despite the desire to live, John forgot HOW to live life again. The story ended with Scott talking girl that he met (I think she worked in the nursing home) and how he was learning to live again.

I learned so much from this. First, I learned that morbid obesity is defined as anything 100+ lbs overweigth. I was so close and didn't realize. I am sure that most people don't. Also, I began seeing how someone could "back off" from life and still think that they are living life. After all, before this journey, I could tell you that I was living life, but I wasn't really, not fully anyway (maybe a little too full now). I also learned that often times we know what we should do, but the mental and emotional problems can really outweigh the common sense. John knew how he was supposed to eat, he knew what was good for him, but I think he had so many other "stressors" that he ate to "shut" those off. The mind games we play in order to justify eating too much is amazing. Even I still do it.

At any rate, I think that this story will always stay with me. You have to actively change so much of your life in order to get a "new" life. But it is much better than the alternative. I am still here and I set out to make a lifestyle change, not just to lose weight and that is what I am doing.

Breakfast: 2 egg omelet, english muffin, hot tea (I was ravinous this morning, should have had 1 egg and fruit)
AM snack: needless to say, I am not hungry.
Lunch: salad
PM snack: banana and milk
Supper: pasta or rice, veggies, and chicken

Goals for day:
1. 48oz water
2. No eating after 7:30pm
3. In bed by 10:30pm

Sorry, this is so long, but I really wanted to get this story out there.

On the plus side, the holiday gain is still going down! Everyone have a wonderful day!